Sign the bill SB1172 and end sexual orientation change efforts on minors

Religious leaders, psychologists, and psychiatrists employ sexual orientation change efforts, also known as conversion therapy, in an attempt to convert a person’s sexual orientation from homosexual to one that is heterosexual. When these measures are carried out on minors, the effects can be devastating. The bill states, "Under no circumstances shall a patient under 18 years of age undergo sexual orientation change efforts, regardless of the willingness of a patient’s parent, guardian, conservator or other person to authorize such efforts." According to the World Health Organization, “No rigorous scientific studies demonstrate any efficacy of efforts to change sexual orientation. However, there are many testimonies about the severe harm to mental and physical health that such "services" can cause. Repression of sexual orientation has been associated with feelings of guilt and shame, depression, anxiety, and even suicide. As an aggravating factor, there have been a growing number of reports about degrading treatments, and physical and sexual harassment under the guise of such "therapies," which are often provided illicitly. In some cases, adolescents have been subjected to such interventions involuntarily and even deprived of their liberty, sometimes kept in isolation for several months.” Homosexuality is not a disease, so why is it being “treated" as one? Please sign this petition and urge Governor Brown to pass SB1172.

Letter to

Govenor Brown of California

I just signed the following petition addressed to: Govenor Brown of California.

----------------Sign the bill SB1172 and end sexual orientation change efforts on minors

Religious leaders, psychologists, and psychiatrists employ sexual orientation change efforts, also known as conversion therapy, in an attempt to convert a person’s sexual orientation from homosexual to one that is heterosexual. When these measures are carried out on minors, the effects can be devastating. The bill states, "Under no circumstances shall a patient under 18 years of age undergo sexual orientation change efforts, regardless of the willingness of a patient’s parent, guardian, conservator or other person to authorize such efforts." According to the World Health Organization, “No rigorous scientific studies demonstrate any efficacy of efforts to change sexual orientation. However, there are many testimonies about the severe harm to mental and physical health that such "services" can cause. Repression of sexual orientation has been associated with feelings of guilt and shame, depression, anxiety, and even suicide. As an aggravating factor, there have been a growing number of reports about degrading treatments, and physical and sexual harassment under the guise of such "therapies," which are often provided illicitly. In some cases, adolescents have been subjected to such interventions involuntarily and even deprived of their liberty, sometimes kept in isolation for several months.” Homosexuality is not a disease, so why is it being “treated" as one? Please sign and pass SB1172.